Best Hostels in Cairns

Conveniently located in the heart of Cairns, opposite the Cairns Central Shopping Center and Cairns train station, Travelers Oasis presents an inviting accommodations option featuring an outdoor swimming pool complemented by relaxing hammocks. Just a brief stroll from The Esplanade and The Pier, this establishment offers a prime location for exploring Cairns. Guests can enjoy complimentary unlimited WiFi throughout their stay. Accommodations options at Travelers Oasis include spacious dormitory rooms along with private double, twin, and single rooms. Each room is furnished with fans, bed linen, towels, and a personal safety deposit box. Private rooms also feature a fridge stocked with complimentary600 ml water per guest, as well as a TV. Shared bathroom facilities are accessible to all guests, while air conditioning is available for an additional fee. Travelers Oasis provide 3 equipped Kichens, with complimentary Tea, Coffee and Herbs. Coin-operated laundry facilities are conveniently available, and complimentary luggage storage is provided. The tour desk offers assistance in organizing trips to the Great Barrier Reef and other surrounding areas of interest. Numerous dining and entertainment options, including restaurants and bars, are within easy walking distance from Travelers Oasis. Cairns Airport is the nearest airport, located 3.7 mi away from the property.

- "Clean and staff helpful" - "A perfect little oasis - a must stay in Cairns for travellers!" - "Beautiful, clean, spacious, lovely!" - "unforgettable" - "Exceptional" - "amazing place , I cant wait to go back :)" - "Such a beautiful place. Definitely the greatest hostel I have ever been to!" - "Gorgeous place" - "lovely relaxing stay" - "It's a pleasant place to stay. Enjoy the art works around the property!"

Hostel with a nightclub, 8-minute walk to Cairns Esplanade
Along with an outdoor pool, this hostel has a restaurant and a nightclub. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include 2 bars/lounges, a poolside bar, and self parking.
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort offers 120 air-conditioned accommodations with shared/communal kitchens. 45-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include showers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "Facilities: Home away from home; Value: Great deal; Service: Go the extra mile; Cleanliness: Spotless; CLOSE TO SUPERMARKET AND SHOPPING CENTRE" - " Great entertainment" - "Value: Fantastic; Service: Outstanding; Cleanliness: Immaculate; " - "Facilities: Outstanding; Value: Great deal; Service: Phenomenal; Cleanliness: Beautiful; great to meet people to go on adventures with" - " " - "Perfect for the traveller who wants it all within your fingertips. It is a 10min walk to the fleet terminal. If you are a light sleeper, do not book this place because there is a nightclub beneath the hotel that is active. Perfect for the party goer and it is central in town."

Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Travelers Paradise offers accommodations in a historical, heritage listed Guest House in Cairns, 0.7 mi from Cairns Convention Center. Free street parking is available. It is located opposite Cairns Central Shopping Center, Coles Supermarket and the train station. Free unlimited WiFi is available. Some rooms have ceilings up to 12 feet. Every room shares a Male and Female Bathroom. There is a shared 24-hour kitchen with free tea and coffee at the property. All rooms feature air-conditioning and do not require coins to operate. Guests can enjoy a TV room, small library, large swimming pool and unlimited internet. Laundry facilities are available. Guests of Travelers Paradise can approach staff at the extensive tour desk for arrangements of reef trips, rainforest tours, Kuranda scenic railway, skydiving, and white water rafting. The Event Cinemas are 1312 feet from Travelers Paradise, while Cairns Regional Gallery is 0.6 mi away. The nearest airport is Cairns Airport, 3.7 mi from the property.

- "Perfect choice while on a budget" - "We hightly recommand" - "We recommand this place very well located and with a wonderful exotic garden" - "I enjoyed my time" - "Everything we wanted it to be." - "Excellent" - "Perfect stay" - "Best value for money in Cairns!" - "Ideal and relaxing spot" - "Good quality Price" - "Very enjoyable and special thanks to Peter for upgrading my room to a double." - "excellent"

Hostel with an outdoor pool, 10-minute walk to Cairns Esplanade
Along with an outdoor pool, this hostel has a business center and a meeting room. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include self parking, laundry facilities, and express check-in.
Housekeeping is not available.
YHA Cairns Central offers 52 accommodations with air conditioning. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "This was a great place to stay in Cairns! 10-15 minutes walk to the wharf and great shopping and dining. Large kitchen and shared area in the hostel and I loved that they advertised local events and activities happening. " - "Absolutely graetest hottel Ive ever stayed. " - " " - " " - "We were warmly welcomed, and the staff helped us book the best tours for our stay. We originally only booked one night, but extended our stay to four nights. The shared bathrooms were very clean at all times of the day. The hostel provided evening activities for guests and a pancake breakfast each morning. We enjoyed our stay here much more than our stay in one of the Cairns beach front hotels. As a first time hostel traveler, I was pleasantly surprised with this wonderful experience! "

Located in Cairns and with Cairns Station reachable within a 12-minute walk, Global Backpackers Cairns has a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace. The property is close to several well-known attractions, a 5-minute walk from Cairns City Library, 300 yards from Cairns Esplanade and a 4-minute walk from Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. Cairns Flecker Botanic Gardens is 2.8 miles away and Skyway Rainforest Cableway is 8.3 miles from the hostel. The rooms have air conditioning, and some accommodations at the hostel have a balcony. A range of activities can be enjoyed on site or nearby, including hiking and water park. Popular points of interest near Global Backpackers Cairns include Cairns Convention Center, Cairns Regional Gallery and The Cairns Civic Theater. Cairns Airport is 4.3 miles from the property.

- "Amazing place" - "Perfect to unwind" - "Great!" - "Easy-going and well located" - "¡Fun!" - "Clean, friendly and excellent location no more to say" - "Great stay!" - "Excellent facilities but small rooms" - "Central location, good for 1 or 2 nights" - "It was good in general. The best is location." - "Good location" - "Perfect location" - "Great location" - "Good stay, doubt id go back tho"

Hostel in Cairns, steps from Cairns Esplanade
Along with a microwave in a common area, this hostel has a refrigerator in a common area and concierge services. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, laundry facilities, tour/ticket assistance, and a TV in a common area are onsite.
Bathrooms are shared.
Little Drifter Cairns offers 54 accommodations with air conditioning. This Cairns hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests have access to shared bathrooms. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "We will use it again and the day after tomorrow." - "Nice surroundings, easy walking access to everything, good friendly staff, safe, several tour agents around" - "All the front desk staff I interacted with were very helpful, warm, and genuinely cared about my travel experience and were very resourceful with recommending places and things to try. I arrived at 12am and the manager on call was very kind to check me in. The room smelled of a melting pot of body odour though... I wish there was better ventilation and a window. The place had pretty much everything you would need. I think the bathrooms could be cleaner. The staff alone made my stay enjoyable and it was definitely worth the cheap stay."

YHA Cairns Central is located just 15 minutes' walk from The Esplanade and Trinity Wharf. It features an outdoor swimming pool, 2 spas, and a free Wi-Fi hotspot. Accommodations options include private rooms with an private bathroom or dormitory rooms with a shared bathroom. All rooms are air-conditioned. Facilities include a communal kitchen and dining area and a guest laundry. Co-working space, or play a game of billiards. The tour desk can arrange Great Barrier Reef cruises, snorkeling and diving trips. YHA Cairns Central is set opposite Cairns Station and Cairns Central Shopping Center. It is 5 minutes’ walk from the bars, shops and cafés along Cairn's Esplanade.

- "Love the friendly customer service. Everyone mind their own businesses such a great place can't wait to visit again." - "Great place to stay." - "Nice staff, good location, chilled vibes - great stay." - "Great value accommodation in the centre of Cairns"

Hostel with an outdoor pool, steps from Cairns Esplanade
Along with an outdoor pool, this hostel has a restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include laundry facilities, a library, and tour/ticket assistance.
Limited housekeeping is available.
Caravella Backpackers offers 49 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and shared/communal kitchens. 20-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include showers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)). Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.

- "Great Room options, from basic dorms to private rooms, a selection which are 4star." - "Friendly easy clean " - "Loved my stay at Caravellas. Really great location on the Esplanade. Very friendly. Staff were great. Highly recommend " - "Location excellent Indonesia restaurant next door" - "Just not really what we wanted. A TV at least would have been nice " - "Very helpful owner, walking distance to everything, the pool."

2024 Renovation Revelation: A Bold Makeover Journey Begins – Brace Yourself for an Entirely Revamped Bathroom Experience! Please Note: The following room types are located on the club side of the property, where noise from the attached nightclub may be heard: • Single Bed in 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory with Private Bathroom • Single Bed in Standard 8-Bed Mixed Ensuite Dormitory Welcome to Gilligan's, your gateway to Cairns' tropical paradise. Nestled in the heart of the city, we offer a vibrant and cozy retreat for every traveler. Your Tropical Haven in Cairns: Whether you're seeking the camaraderie of backpacker-style dormitories or the tranquility of private hotel rooms, we've got you covered. Our spacious, air-conditioned rooms come with private bathrooms and free bed linen for your convenience. And yes, we offer Free Wi-Fi, because we know you want to stay connected during your adventures. Socialize and Relax: Gilligan's features a lagoon-style swimming pool, the perfect spot to chill out with friends, or to make new ones. Each of our four floors features modern communal kitchens and lounge areas. Whether you want to read a book, watch TV, or simply unwind, it's your space to enjoy. We pride ourselves on providing a clean and safe environment, ensuring your stay is nothing short of fantastic. In the Heart of the Action: Step outside, and you'll find yourself amid the vibrant city life. Gilligan's is a stone's throw away from Rusty's Market and is surrounded by boutique shops, cozy cafes, and buzzing bars and restaurants. The Reef Terminal, the Esplanade, and the Kuranda Railway Station are all within walking distance. Our strategic location in Cairns City Center allows you to explore with ease, providing you with easy access to local attractions and sights. Endless Amenities: Your comfort is our priority. We offer free luggage storage, pool tables, a powder room, and a fitness room to accommodate all your needs. Plus, you'll find four state-of-the-art communal kitchens, fully equipped for your culinary creations. A Memorable Experience: Gilligan's is more than just accommodations; it's a fantastic Cairns experience. Book your stay today and make Gilligan's your tropical haven!

- "We were filmed in bed by another resident in the building flying a drone outside our room👌🏻 Cheers" - "The place to be in Cairns" - "Fun Stay" - "Perfect location" - "Great Stay" - "Thanks, it was cool!" - "Very good place" - "Good , clean accommodation in the centre of attractions" - "good for value and location" - "Everything except the noise was great." - "Fun but way too loud at night" - "Cheap and did the job"

Hostel with free parking, near Cairns Esplanade
An outdoor pool, a restaurant, and coffee/tea in a common area are available at this hostel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, laundry facilities, an arcade/game room, and a library are onsite.
Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel offers 21 accommodations with safes. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "whilst this is a modest older style early 1900s heritage accomodation , some with shared amenities, I found the Owner exceptionally friendly and helpful and the accomodation and communal areas and amenities spotless and very well maintained. There was also a night manager . This for me was a short notice accomodation/ travel requirement, whilst not luxury , but coming from a tourism and hospitality background couldn’t fault the service or accomodation in any way Thanks to Peter the manager Rod 13/7/2023 L"

Bohemia Resort Cairns provides accommodations close to the Cairns city center. There is a large outdoor undercover area overlooking the lagoon-style pools and landscaped gardens. A BBQ is available free of charge for guests to use. Free WiFi is provided. Guests at Cairns Bohemia Resort can choose between rooms with ensuited or shared bathroom facilities. Some rooms are located poolside or offer pool views. Facilities include a spa pool and laundry room including a washing machine, dryer and ironing facilities. Bohemia Resort Cairns is 10 minutes’ drive from Cairns International Airport. It is less than 15-minutes’ drive to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Cairns Convention Center is 1.9 mi away.

- "Nice place!" - "It was a pleasure to stay there" - "Provided everything we needed for minimal cost." - "I love this place could be cairns number 1 with a bit of love"

Hostel with an outdoor pool, steps from Cairns Esplanade
This hostel features an outdoor pool, a microwave in a common area, and a refrigerator in a common area. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, laundry facilities, tour/ticket assistance, and a TV in a common area are onsite.
Housekeeping is available once per stay.
The Espy Hostel offers 17 air-conditioned accommodations with shared/communal kitchens. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)). Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include an outdoor pool.

- "Great property in a great location. Clean and no bugs. Great shower pressure!! Staff was friendly and helpful. Had a tour company on site to help with bookings, which was amazing. Kitchen was helpful to have for making our own morning coffee or tea before heading out for the day. Didn’t use the pool as had been out each day all day on boats to the reef, and this location is directly across the street from the lagoon. At first we were worried as I hadn’t realized I’d booked a hostel and not a hotel room. This hostel was quiet at night. I would recommend this location for anyone travelling to the area. It was absolutely what we needed and right near everything we wanted to see or do. All the restaurant choices you could imagine and at least 10 ice cream shops in a one block radius. The bonus of the night market next door was great for nik nacks and things we’d left at home. "

Mad Monkey Jungle is a resort style hostel, featuring FREE ultra fast WIFI. Centrally located in the heart of Cairns and is only a short walk to all the major attractions. You are guaranteed to get the most out of your stay and get a great night’s sleep. All rooms are fully air-conditioned & feature spacious private bathrooms, plus your own private balconies or courtyard gardens. With the outdoor pool oasis, outdoor bar with super cheap drinks, & a great social area where you can meet all new friends, you can truly experience Cairns to the max. The property entertainments team also organize events in the hostel every day & night, plus show our guests the top backpacker bars that offer cheap eats & drinks.

- "Loved it!" - "Made the stay in Cairns great!" - "Great hostel will definitely be back" - "Awesome stay, Bounce Cairns feels like home, highly recommended, need to come back !" - "Amazing very social and I meet a lot of nice people here" - "Nice peaple, nice place" - "Amazing" - "Long and short term stays" - "Nice sociable hostel!" - "All good" - "Good place to spend a few days"

- "We stayed in a double room. After three weeks in Australia, this was the best hostel we stayed in! Brand new bathrooms - slick and white. Bedroom felt really new and was a good size - really good size bed, with two pillows each, and a great size sink (also looked brand new). Kitchen was also perfectly cleaned, and the hostel also offered a breakfast which was great (toast, spreads, beans, fruit, yoghurt, cereal). " - " " - "Lovely hostel with very kind and friendly staff!"

Summer House Cairns features free bikes, outdoor swimming pool, a garden and shared lounge in Cairns. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property provides evening entertainment and an ATM. The hostel has a terrace. You can play table tennis at this 3-star hostel, and the area is popular for hiking. Cairns Station is 2.1 miles from Summer House Cairns, while Cairns Convention Center is 2.4 miles away. Cairns Airport is 3.1 miles from the property.

- "I spent 9 weeks in the hostel and never once had any problems. I would choose it again and again." - "Overall an excellent hostel atmosphere with great facilities." - "Good" - "Did the job" - "An underwhelming intro to Australian hostels"

- "Good facilities close to shops and eateries Enjoyed talking to other guests" - "It was very well located, close to the tourist spots. The room was clean, neat and large. The office staff very helpful. The breakfast was self serve and very adequate. The only negative was that it was pretty noisy at night." - "Great service, very clean. The only drawback is Alcohol is only allowed from bar you can’t bring your own, but bar prices are not that bad."

Dreamtime is an award winning hostel with a difference. We offer travelers a safe, peaceful & cozy place to stay. We are not a party hostel. We want all of our guests to get a great night's rest ahead of a day out exploring the Great Barrier Reef & Rainforest. The Owners & Staff at Dreamtime have traveled the world. Our commitment to offering fellow travelers an awesome place to stay is at the heart of everything we do. Enjoy all the comforts & amenities of the present with the character & charm of this Queenslander from the past. Our strong focus on providing a clean, eco-friendly and welcoming environment, makes Dreamtime the ideal base for travelers who want to explore all the beautiful things Cairns has to offer. Our amazing reviews reflect what we are building here at Dreamtime & our commitment to travel & sustainability is unwavering. We compost our food waste, we are eradicating single use plastic, we recycle like the planet depends on it. We also LOVE Cairns and are happy to chat about the best things to do during your stay. Receive discounts on all tours that are booked with our knowledgable and entertaining team. Dreamtime has successfully been welcoming guests since 1993, and when you walk through the gate you really feel like you've picked the right place to stay. One of our guests enjoyed their stay so much he got a Dreamtime tattoo! We really do make an impression on people! We are designed for short-stay international travelers, and from experience, we have found that mature travelers over 60 & young families with children under 12 are not so well suited to our style of accommodations. We want to serve our guests to the best of our ability and do not want to disappoint anyone. Please bear this in mind. Standard Policies: As we are a small, independent hostel, our reception is open from 9.00am - 5.00pm. A valid passport is required for all guests. Late check-in's are ok. If you plan to arrive after 6pm, please email or call us 2-3 days before you arrive with a screenshot of your passport, and we will provide instructions on how to self-check-in. Email: stay@dreamtimehostel.com Phone: (07) 4000 0467 (between 8am - 6pm) We have a storage cupboard for luggage. If you need to hang around while you wait for your flight, you are welcome to use our facilities. Also - there is an awesome cafe right next door to us. The coffee is amazing. We operate with a maximum 14-day stay policy in any 30 day period. Any bookings made to accumulate more than 14 days will be canceled. No shows will be charged the first night's accommodations. We have a pretty laid-back atmosphere at Dreamtime. However, to maintain our chilled atmosphere we do not allow: Children under 12 years of age. If you are aged 60 or above, you may be more comfortable in a hotel/motel with private facilities.

- "Amazing hostel in cairns!" - "Calm and quiet" - "Chilled backpacker heaven" - "Great hospitality and location!" - "So cool." - "Always an enjoyable stay." - "It was a great time staff was so kind and helpful we definitely will stay again" - "Lovely place for a good price" - "Good night at dreamtime traveller" - "really cozy stay, just what you need in a nice vibe"

- "Stayed one night in a private room Amazing bed Easy control of A/C Good WiFi Great service" - "I enjoyed my stay at Mad Monkey Cairns. The staff is really friendly, the breakfast is included and they even have pancakes, fruit and yoghurt! Also the WiFi works really good and the common area is so nice, especially by night :). Would highly recommend." - "Rooms were well air conditioned, bathrooms were not the best.. clean but old and grubby looking."

Refurbished in May, 2018, Mad Monkey Village featuresa TV, a kitchen, bathrooms with air-conditioners in every room. There is also an outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi provided. All the private double rooms are air-Conditioned and come with towels. Mad Monkey Village is only 2625 feet from the bars and restaurants of Cairns Esplanade. Important Info for Your Stay: - Reception is open 8 am - 10pm. If you plan to check in after 10pm, please inform us in advance, as our night manager will assist you. - Check-out is before 10 am / Check-in is after 2 pm. - We are a strictly 18+ property. - A valid physical passport is required for check-in. Photocopies will not be accepted. - Your card will be charged 1 day prior to your arrival. Please ensure there are sufficient funds to avoid cancelation. - Group Bookings: Bookings of 4 or more guests are subject to different terms and conditions, and we cannot guarantee placing all members of a group booking in the same room. - No E-Bike batteries are allowed on the premises.

- "Fab Chilled Hostel" - "Friendly and Welcoming Hostel" - "I loved to stay in this hostel! The vibe was amazing. The people from the reception were so friendly. The kitchen is big" - "Great hostel with a good vibe and nice staff" - "I would recommend anyone to stay here if you are visiting Cairns" - "Cleanest backpackers with friendly laid-back vibe" - "Amazing stay in Cairns" - "Lovely!" - "recommended hostel 10/10"

Adults-only hostel in Cairns with free parking
An outdoor pool, a microwave in a common area, and a refrigerator in a common area are available at this hostel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, laundry facilities, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are onsite.
Housekeeping is not available.
Cairns City Backpackers Hostel offers 22 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature rice cookers and shared/communal kitchens. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and ceiling fans.

- "Location excellent close to centre and public transport. Staff very helpful building and facilities are rather tired I enjoyed my stay and very good value for money. " - "Lovely hostel, close to town excellent price clean kitchen and showers lots of nice places to sit outside " - "Cairns city backpackers was the most welcomed and comfortable I felt in any backpackers in cairns. One of the guys who works there, Tripp, was so welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable about the area and overall a great guy to chat to. With two shared kitchens and plenty of shared bathrooms and shower rooms dotted around, I never found myself waiting to grab a shower or use kitchen facilities. Met the loveliest travellers here too and have lots of fond memories playing board games and having a few beers with other travelling folk. Would come back in a heartbeat. Five minute walk into town, 15 minute walk to esplanade and lovely lagoon swimming area. Also check out down under pool bar for great beer, free pool and a good laugh."